"Beep! The system has detected three divine gift packages for the host. Would you like to open them?" The system's cold, mechanical voice chimed again.
"You've got to be kidding me..." Qin Yi's eyebrows twitched, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Was this system deliberately toying with him? It hadn't appeared earlier or later, only at this critical life-or-death moment. Fine! Since he was already in such dire straits, a desperate gamble was his only option. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Open them!"
"Beep! Congratulations, Host, on opening three divine gift packages. You have obtained: three Rejuvenation Pills, one unique martial arts manual, and a bottle of Energy Pills. All rewards have been stored in the system warehouse and can be accessed anytime!"
"Rejuvenation Pill?" Qin Yi's heart skipped a beat as he hurriedly closed his eyes to retrieve the details from the system.
Rejuvenation Pill: A miraculous healing elixir capable of curing both internal and external injuries, no matter how severe, even restoring someone on the brink of death to perfect health.
A flicker of hope lit up Qin Yi's previously dim eyes. This was a lifesaving treasure! But the light quickly faded as reality dawned on him—he was currently in a state of suspended animation. How was he supposed to consume the pill?
"Ah!" He sighed deeply, frustration swelling in his chest. It was like being a beggar at a feast—treasures within reach but utterly inaccessible.
Little did he know, at that very moment, in a simple yet tidy room, a woman in an elegant green gown was seated by his bedside. Her fingers rested lightly on his wrist, her expression calm but intent.
The woman exuded an ethereal grace, her demeanor as serene as a lotus in still waters. Beside her stood Zhang Han and a young girl, their faces tense as they watched Qin Yi intently, barely daring to breathe.
After a moment, the woman withdrew her hand, a faint furrow creasing her brow. She spoke softly, her tone tinged with gravity. "General Qin's qi and blood have nearly dissipated. For most, this would be a death sentence. However, I might still manage to save him—there is a slim chance."
"Master!" Zhang Han immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply. His voice trembled as he said, "If there's any way to save General Qin, I beg you to act. Whatever the cost, I will repay your kindness with my life!"
The young girl beside him nodded firmly, her youthful face set with determination. "Master, he is a hero. I can't bear to see him die."
The woman's gaze softened slightly as she inclined her head. Even without their pleas, she had no intention of turning a blind eye.
She gently removed Qin Yi's outer garment, revealing a well-built and muscular torso. Her expression remained tranquil, though the young girl blushed furiously and quickly turned away.
With a subtle twist of her wrist, silver needles appeared between her slender fingers. Her movements were fluid and precise as she expertly inserted the needles into various acupoints on Qin Yi's body. Within moments, his upper body was adorned with needles, resembling a silver hedgehog.
As the last needle was placed, a faint mist of heat began to rise from Qin Yi's body, curling like wisps of smoke in the winter air.
The woman finally exhaled softly and turned to Zhang Han. "The General should be fine now. However..." She trailed off, her expression unreadable.
"However what? Master, if there's anything else required, just say the word! I'll do whatever it takes to save him!" Zhang Han's voice was urgent, his eyes wide with desperation.
The woman shook her head, her tone calm yet firm. "If General Qin survives, you should persuade him to leave the military. The life of a soldier is no longer suited to him."
"What?" Zhang Han's face darkened. After a moment of silence, he suddenly seemed to understand. He lowered his head, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. With a resolute expression, he drew his blade and pointed it at the woman. "You are a healer of unparalleled skill. I know you must have another way to save him! If you refuse to try, then I, Zhang Han, will fight you to the death!"
The young girl gasped in outrage. "How dare you! My master saved your general, and this is how you repay her kindness? You're no better than a beast!"
Zhang Han's voice was hoarse, filled with despair. "I know this is wrong, but if the General doesn't survive, how can I? My life will be meaningless!"
The woman's gaze remained steady, tinged with a faint sadness. She sighed softly. "Such obsession will only bring ruin to you and others."
Just as she prepared to act, a weak yet distinct voice broke through the tension. "Zhang Han... stop... let our benefactors go."
All three turned toward the bed in unison. To their astonishment, Qin Yi's eyes were open. Though his face was pale and his voice frail, his gaze was clear and determined.
Zhang Han immediately dropped his sword and rushed to Qin Yi's side, supporting him with trembling hands. "General! You're awake! Do you feel unwell? Tell me, please!"
Qin Yi weakly shook his head, indicating he was fine. Since the woman's treatment had begun, he had gradually regained awareness, though his body had been too weak to move or speak.
With great effort, he propped himself up and bowed toward the woman and the young girl. "I owe my life to you both. Please forgive my subordinate's rudeness, and allow me to express my deepest gratitude."
The woman waved a hand dismissively. "Healing is the duty of a physician. There's no need for thanks. Since you are now out of danger, we shall take our leave."
Qin Yi quickly interjected, "At least tell me your names and where you reside, so I may properly repay this great favor in the future!"
The woman smiled faintly, pulling the young girl away as she spoke, her voice floating like a breeze. "Names are unnecessary. If fate wills it, we shall meet again."
Watching their retreating figures, Qin Yi felt a deep sense of loss. He murmured to himself, "The Healers' Guild... truly lives up to its legend."